15: Spatial Transformation and Final Preparation

The metallic glint in the Military Dog's eyes flashed and disappeared. It whimpered and ran back to the soldier's feet as if it had simply been startled. However, Sun Zheng knew clearly that what had just happened was absolutely no hallucination.

The voice that had sounded directly in his mind—'eligible lifeform', 'keystone resonance', 'inheritance protocol'... and that violent fluctuation from the homeworld space that almost broke free!

"A001, immediately lead the squad and that Military Dog to a safe distance. Maintain surveillance. No one is allowed near the ruins again without my orders!" Sun Zheng suppressed the turbulent waves in his heart and gave the command decisively. The situation at the ruins was completely beyond expectations; now was not the time for deep investigation. The Scrin threat hung over his head like a sword.

"Understood!" Although A001 was confused, he executed the order resolutely, leading the squad and the slightly different Military Dog to quickly evacuate the edge of the ruins.

Sun Zheng immediately sank his consciousness into the homeworld space. He had to figure out exactly what had happened just now!

As soon as he entered the space, he was stunned by the sight before him.

The originally gray, 100-cubic-meter space had actually grown a size larger! Although it was still empty, the gray mist at the edges had receded significantly, expanding by at least 50% by visual estimation! Even more miraculous was that something new had appeared on the ground right in the center of the space!

It was a fist-sized crystal suspended in mid-air, translucent throughout. Inside, it looked as if nebulae were slowly flowing, emitting a soft and pure white light, exactly like the light that had emanated from the ruins before. An indescribable, ancient, and vast aura diffused from the crystal.

[Detected 'glimmer keystone' (Fragment) has been bound to homeworld space.]

[homeworld space level increased to Lv.2.]

[Space capacity increased to 150 cubic meters.]

[New Function: Spatial Anchor (Allows setting one fixed coordinate, greatly reducing mental consumption and cooldown time for entering and exiting the space from that coordinate).]

A series of information flooded into Sun Zheng's mind.

glimmer keystone? Fragment? Space upgrade? Anchor function?

Sun Zheng understood instantly! The 'inheritance protocol' of that ancient ruin had somehow used the Military Dog as a medium to ultimately bind this so-called 'keystone' fragment to the homeworld space connected to his soul!

Was it because of his frequent use of spatial abilities? Or did he, as an 'anomaly', meet the 'eligible' criteria himself? Or perhaps both?

He tried to approach the 'glimmer keystone' and touched it gently with his finger. A warm energy flowed along his arm into his body, invigorating his spirit. The fatigue from previously commanding the battle and frequently using the space actually dissipated by more than half. At the same time, some vague, intermittent fragments of information flooded into his consciousness:

"...Guard... Order..."

"...Imbalance... The End..."

"...keystone... Guidance..."

The information was fragmented and difficult to understand, but words like 'Guard', 'Order', and 'The End' carried a heavy sense of destiny.

Sun Zheng shook his head, putting these questions aside for the time being. No matter what this keystone represented, the most important thing right now was to survive! And the space upgrade and the newly added 'Anchor' function were exactly what he needed!

He immediately exited the space and looked sharply at the screen. Another hour had passed, and the shadow of the Scrin's next wave of attacks was drawing closer.

"No time to hesitate, I must make good use of this new ability!"

He immediately began the intense final preparations for battle:

Setting the Anchor: He walked out of the Command Center and set the homeworld space's 'Spatial Anchor' next to the Combat Laboratory. This meant that entering and exiting the space from this vicinity would have almost no consumption or delay! This was a huge tactical advantage!

Full-Scale Production: He poured all resources into production. Another prism tank began construction, five Rocket Troopers were added to the team, and the infantry numbers were restored to full strength. At the same time, he began training a second multifunction infantry vehicle ($600), hoping it could carry an Engineer or enhance anti-air defense.

Defensive Reinforcement: He added another prism tower inside the base entrance to create crossfire. He had the Engineer plant all remote high-explosive bombs at the mouth of the crater cave to form the first line of death.

Tactical Planning: Combining the new 'Spatial Anchor' ability, he conceived a bold plan. If he really couldn't win, perhaps he could use the space for a tactical transfer, or... lure a troublesome enemy into the space? Although he couldn't attack directly inside the space, trapping them might be feasible.

The entire base was like a wound-up machine, operating frantically. Soldiers and Engineers silently checked their equipment, while Rocket Troopers circled in the air on guard. The chilling atmosphere before a great battle spread throughout.

Sun Zheng stood in the Command Center, looking at the busy scene outside the window and the beautiful blue planet in the distance. He tightly gripped the 'glimmer keystone' fragment he had taken from the homeworld space. The warm touch of the crystal brought a strange sense of comfort.

He didn't know where this keystone came from or where it would lead him. He also didn't know if he could withstand the Scrin's next wave, which would likely be an even more violent attack.

He only knew that he couldn't retreat. This was his base, his starting point, and his only hope for the future.

"Come on," Sun Zheng whispered to himself, a determined light shining in his eyes. "Let me see what else you alien scum are capable of."

He returned the keystone fragment to the space, took a deep breath, and connected to the entire army's communication channel:

"All units, final check! Prepare to engage the enemy!"